Wax Actuator Shunt for Post-Implantation Flow Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shunting systems for treating conditions like glaucoma cannot be adjusted post-implantation to meet individual patient needs or account for flow-related changes, lacking the ability to be personalized or titrated.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable shunting system with a wax actuator that changes volume between solid and liquid phases, controlling fluid flow by altering the configuration of a diaphragm to open or close the flow path, allowing for post-implantation adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional shunting systems are used, then the system structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the system cannot be adjusted after implantation to meet individual patient needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability after implantationVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shunting system incorporates an adjustable flow control mechanism that allows the flow resistance to be dynamically modified after implantation. The actuator can change the configuration of the flow control element (such as a diaphragm or valve) to adjust the flow path characteristics, enabling the system to adapt to changing patient needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables adjustment of the flow resistance parameter by mechanically modifying the flow path geometry. Through the actuator, physical parameters such as the opening area, flow path length, or constriction degree can be changed, allowing titration of the shunt performance without replacing the entire device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional shunting systems are used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but it cannot be personalized for individual patients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonalization capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shunting system is divided into modular components including a separate actuator mechanism and flow control element. This segmentation allows the device to be manufactured using standard processes while enabling post-implantation customization through the adjustable component, which can be tuned to individual patient requirements without requiring custom manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional shunting systems are used, then the system is reliable with fewer moving parts, but it cannot account for changes in flow-related characteristics over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse to flow changesVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable shunting system incorporates a feedback mechanism where flow characteristics (such as pressure differential or flow rate) can be monitored and used to guide adjustments of the actuator. This allows the system to automatically or manually respond to changes in flow-related characteristics over time, maintaining optimal performance while preserving reliability through a design that uses simple, proven components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system provides reliable and customizable fluid flow control, reducing the likelihood of failure and enabling easy, cost-effective manufacturing, suitable for various medical conditions including glaucoma and other diseases with increased pressure.

Implementation Method 1

The wax actuator can change volume when transitioned between material phases. For example, the wax actuator can increase in volume when transitioning from a solid phase to a liquid phase (e.g., melting), and can decrease in volume when transitioning from a liquid phase to a solid phase (e.g., cooling or solidifying).

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

Heating the first end of the wax actuator can create a temperature differential across the wax actuator and cause the second end to solidify before the first end, such that the second end can recruit material from the first end as the first end solidifies, which can draw material from the first end toward the second end and apply a corresponding force (e.g., a pressure) to the diaphragm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature differential and phase transition: Temperature Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20250205083A1Adjustable shunting systems with wax actuators and associated systems, devices, and methods

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 SHIFAMED HLDG LLC

AI summary

The present technology is generally directed to adjustable shunting systems, including adjustable shunting systems having wax actuators. In some embodiments, an adjustable shunting system includes a wax actuator and a diaphragm operably coupled to the wax actuator. The wax actuator can be configured to selectively control the flow of fluid through the adjustable shunting system by alternating between (i) heating a first end of the wax actuator to move the wax actuator to a first position and open a flow path through the system by biasing the diaphragm in a first direction, and (ii) heating a second end of the wax actuator to move the wax actuator to a second position and close the flow path through the system by biasing the diaphragm in a second direction different than the first direction.